Legislators pursue $9.1 billion with gas tax

Kayla Webley
2005-04-06
The Daily

Gas prices may rise if a proposal released by the state Senate Transportation Committee successfully makes it way through the Legislature.

The proposal, released Monday, would increase the state gas tax by three cents in 2005 and two cents in 2006. An additional one-cent increase would be implemented every year for 10 years -- spanning from 2007 to 2016.

The proposal would raise $9.1 billion to fund various transportation projects across the state. The largest project priorities include the State Route 520 bridge replacement and the Alaskan Way viaduct.

"[The 520 bridge and the Alaskan Way viaduct] are both in danger of collapsing, and if they did it would absolutely paralyze the central Puget Sound area," said Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, vice chair of the transportation committee.

The Senate's proposal would fund $1.2 billion of the 520 bridge project, which would cost anywhere from $1.7 to $2.9 billion, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

The proposal would also fund $2 billion of the $4.1 billion Alaskan Way viaduct reconstruction.

The proposal comes after Gov. Christine Gregoire named the 520 bridge as the biggest safety priority in Washington State last week.

Jacobsen said the projects are essential for the safety of both roadways.

"We've been ... avoiding tough decisions and we can't do it anymore," said Jacobsen. "It's sort of like repairing your house -- when you finally get around to it the bills are even bigger."

Some students see the logic in the gas tax proposal.

"I would rather they didn't go up, but it is one of the few reasonable ways I can think of [to fund the projects]," said junior Tom Luce, who commutes daily across the 520 bridge from Redmond.

Jacobsen said the increase in gas tax would have little impact because it is only an increase of a few cents on an already high price.

"[It] would have a marginal impact," said Jacobsen. "Think of all the gas you would save not sitting in traffic so long."

The "typical" driver, who drives 15,000 miles per year would face an increase of $2.50 a month in his or her gas bill, said Jacobsen.

In addition to the gas tax, additional revenue would come from a weight charge on cars, SUVs, light trucks and motor homes that do not currently pay a weight fee for the impact they have on roadways.

The weight charge would be imposed because "heavier cars do more damage," Jacobsen said.

Tolling on the 520 bridge -- which WSDOT projects will bring in $700 million -- is still a possibility because the Senate proposal does not fully fund the project.

Luce said he would oppose tolling unless student discounts were given to those crossing the bridge for the purpose of attending class.

"As a student, when I drive, it costs that much extra to get to school," said Luce.

Mayor Greg Nickels announced his support Monday for the Senate proposal.

"The mayor believes [the gas tax] is an appropriate way to fund a portion of the cost that will be needed," said Marianne Bichsel, communications director for Nickels.

Jacobsen said the proposal's future is unknown, but he is optimistic about getting members of the Legislature to see his side.

"Right now I think we can get it through the Senate," said Jacobsen. "But I'm not sure [how far it will go] because the House doesn't want a revenue package as large as ours. We are going to have to persuade them that the need is so great they need to support our position on this."